Overview
Drive the Seward Highway along the scenic Turnagain Arm to Whittier. The Glacier Quest Cruise takes you from the quaint seaside town of Whittier to glacier-filled Blackstone Bay, a dramatic deep-water fjord where two tidewater glaciers and several alpine glaciers await. Keep an eye out for sea otters, Steller sea lions, bears, mountain goats, whales, and more!
You will see several glaciers, including Tebenkof Glacier, named for Mikhail Demitrievich Tebenkof, an outstanding surveyor whose maps were the first charts of Alaska’s waters published in 1852. Northland Glacier rests majestically, clinging to the edge of the towering mountain.
Blackstone and Beloit are tidewater glaciers that have carved a steep pathway to reach Prince William Sound’s saltwater. Cruise up close to these massive glaciers to watch for telltale signs of movement signaled by the distinct “pop” of glacier ice calving.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
No Seasickness Guarantee - Our smooth cruising catamarans & the calm waters of Prince William Sound.
A Chugach National Forest Service ranger provides professional narration during the cruise.
Lunch
Smoke-free vessels - We do not allow any form of tobacco, marijuana, vape or e-cigarettes.
ADA Accessibility limited - Please call regarding your specific needs so we can assist you.
On-board restrooms
Tea and coffee
Gift Shop items are available for purchase on board to share with family back home.
Gratuities
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
10:00 AM Drive Anchorage to Whittier, allowing 1.5 hours travel time.
11:30 AM Travel through North America's longest shared rail and vehicle tunnel.
12:00 PM Arrive, Whittier. Check-in and board cruise by 12:55 PM.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Good to know
Present your mobile ticket and photo I.D. at check-in.
10:00 AM DRIVE ANCHORAGE TO WHITTIER - All cruises depart from the Cliffside Marina, 100 West Camp Rd, Whittier, AK. We suggest departing Anchorage at 10:00 AM and allowing 1.5 hours to reach the Whittier tunnel entrance at 11:30 AM. The drive to Whittier along the Seward Highway is a spectacular route designated a National Scenic Byway. Plan extra travel time for photo stops and summer road construction delays.
To reach Whittier, all guests will travel through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, North America’s longest shared rail and vehicle tunnel. The one-way tunnel operates on a rotating schedule, and everyone must be in line by 30-minutes past the hour to enter the tunnel going to Whittier.
The fee for the tunnel ($13) and parking ($10-$12) is not included. In Whittier, public parking is available on Whittier Street, a short walk from our office.
12:00 PM GLACIER QUEST CRUISE - To receive your boarding cards for the cruise, proceed to Phillips Cruise "Express Check-In" located on the observation deck near the boarding zone in the Cliffside Marina. Present your photo I.D. and a mobile ticket to receive your cruise boarding pass, meal card for lunch, and a map indicating the location of your reserved seat. All guests must be on the Glacier Quest Cruise to Blackstone Bay by 12:55 PM.
A hot lunch will be served shortly after the cruise departs to reach Blackstone Bay, home to seven glaciers and numerous towering waterfalls. Watch for wildlife along the way and learn about Prince William Sound as the Chugach National Forest Service ranger provides professional narration. Every cruise includes our No Seasickness guarantee!
4:45 PM DRIVE WHITTIER TO ANCHORAGE - After exploring Whittier and Prince William Sound by boat, enjoy Whittier. The tunnel opens every hour for 15 minutes to allow traffic to depart Whittier. The last tunnel closes at 11:00 PM.
If you need assistance, please call us at 907-276-8023.
What to expect
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Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel
Add travel time from Anchorage to Whittier at 90 minutes each way. From Girdwood to Whittier, allow 45 minutes.
We recommend taking the 11:30 AM tunnel entrance at the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel to access Whittier in time for the Glacier Quest Cruise. The tunnel is open thirty minutes past the hour for access to Whittier. After your cruise, the tunnel opens on the hour to depart Whittier until 11:00 PM. -
Prince William Sound
4 hours
The Glacier Quest Cruise travels 45 miles into Blackstone Bay where seven glaciers and glistening waters provide a spectacular panoramic view from the mountain peaks above to the turquoise saltwater sea below.
Please check-in one hour before cruise departure time.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (America/Anchorage).
Additional Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Glacier Quest Cruise - Self-Drive from Anchorage, AK
Can I cancel Glacier Quest Cruise - Self-Drive from Anchorage, AK for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 3 hours 45 min.
Where does it start?
10:00 AM Drive Anchorage to Whittier, allowing 1.5 hours travel time. 11:30 AM Travel through North America's longest shared rail and vehicle tunnel. 12:00 PM Arrive, Whittier.
What's included?
- No Seasickness Guarantee - Our smooth cruising catamarans & the calm waters of Prince William Sound.
- A Chugach National Forest Service ranger provides professional narration during the cruise.
- Lunch
- Smoke-free vessels - We do not allow any form of tobacco, marijuana, vape or e-cigarettes.
- ADA Accessibility limited - Please call regarding your specific needs so we can assist you.
- On-board restrooms
- Tea and coffee
What's not included?
- Gift Shop items are available for purchase on board to share with family back home.
- Gratuities
Which places does it visit?
It visits Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, Prince William Sound.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
What fitness level is needed?
It is suitable for all physical fitness levels.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by Phillips Cruises & Tours, LLC
